Korea is experiencing a severe outbreak of H5N8 avian influenza responsible for the depletion of twenty million hens, ducks and broilers as of late-January 2021.  The outbreaks appear to be a replay of the 2016-2017 infection caused by H5N6 strain viruses.  This outbreak involved 343 individual locations commencing in November 2016 and extending through March 2017 with a second wave of H5N8 between February and June of 2017.  The nation declared itself free of avian influenza in March 2018.  The 2017-18 outbreak resulted in depletion of 20 million ducks, broilers and egg-producing flocks, requiring the mobilization of 200,000 personnel with 6,000 directly involved in culling and disposal. Authorities in South Korea routinely deplete all poultry within a 3 km radius of an infected farm irrespective of AI status. Based on previous experience, authorities in South Korea are deploying surveillance and detection and are rapidly depleting broiler, egg production, and duck flocks. 

The decrease in supply of eggs has resulted in a 25 percent escalation in price as occurred in 2017.  In view of the approaching Lunar New Year holiday from February 11th to 14th the government of Korea will reduce tariffs on 50,000 tons of imported shell eggs and egg products through June 30th when it is hoped that flocks will be restored

Requirements for importation of shell eggs into South Korea are included in the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Export Library.  The USAPEEC is providing assistance to exporters with regard to import regulations, but strongly suggest adherence to the recommendations and guidance provided by importers.  Among other requirements including temperature control during transport and dates of lay and shipment, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea requires a statement as to housing system specifying either pasture, floor system in a barn, enriched or conventional cages.